Kay Elizabeth Wallen
April 26, 1952 -
December 21, 2018
Kay Elizabeth Wallen, 66, of Kenosha passed away on Friday, December 21, 2018.
A lifelong resident of Kenosha, Kay was born on April 26, 1952 to the late Kempster and Genevieve (Hartl) Wallen. She attended local schools and graduated from St. Joseph High School. She furthered her education with a bachelor’s degree from UW Parkside and a Master of Education (Professional Development) degree from Cardinal Stritch University.
With a passion for education, Kay taught at St. Therese Catholic, Durkee and Brass Elementary Schools for many years, retiring in 2017. She was active with her students, especially as a coach for the Battle of the Books for over 25 years. A member of the Kenosha Educators Association, Kay was also a member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church.
Kay was fun loving, had a great sense of humor and was quite the prankster. She was a dog lover and cherished her fur baby, Tess. She also loved the Beatles and had a crush on Paul McCartney. Kay enjoyed watching crime shows but really treasured spending time with family and friends. Her great niece, Avery and great nephew, Hunter, children of Joel and Renee Wallen, were the light of her life.
Kay is survived by her loving daughter, Ashley Kreuser, her sister Margaret “Peggy” and her husband, Charlie Hermann, nephews, Joel (Renee) Wallen and Chris Wallen, great niece, Avery, great nephew, Hunter and her favorite sister-in-law, Barb Wallen.
Along with her parents, Kay was preceded in death by her brothers, Kempster “Butch” Wallen and David Wallen and fur babies, Max and Willow.
Service Info
Funeral services honoring Kay’s life will be held on Monday, January 7, 2019 at 6:00 p.m. at the Piasecki Althaus Funeral Home, 3720 39th Avenue. Interment will be held privately at St. James Cemetery.
Posted by:
Dayna (Rodriguez) OlsonMy mom just called me and told me about Mrs.Wallen’s passing. I’m sorry I didn’t know. She was a truly wonderful teacher to me and I really loved coming back to student teach with her at Brass. I will always treasure her. I have many good memories with her in my fourth grade class. She’s the one who helped me find my love for whethers original hard candies too! She has been on my heart these past few weeks, and now I understand why. I will be praying for your family that in this time you can find peace in her passing, joy in her memory and wisdom from all the things she offered to us all. Much love, Dayna
Posted by:
Lee PowersSo sorry to hear about Kay's passing. Unable to attend service, but our prayers are with you. Old neighbors Lee Powers and Lorrie Novak
Posted by:
Helena J FaracaKay was my cooperating teacher, at Durkee School, back in 1993. Becoming an elementary school teacher was a career change, as it occurred later in my life. Kay was so warm, supportive, encouraging and kind. She was an excellent teacher and I felt so fortunate to have been placed in her classroom. Years later, I ran into her at a grocery store. We chatted about the changes that occurred to both of us since those days. She spoke with with pride about her daughter Ashley. I know Kay would have been an excellent mother. She will be missed.
Posted by:
Kathy McGovernMy sincere condolences on your loss. Ms. Wallen was hands down my favorite teacher ever. I still remember the fun I had in 5th grade at St Therese. As an educator mysef now, I often get asked who my favorite teacher was and I always share Ms Wallen with the students. She was a blessing and inspiration to countless people.
Posted by:
John VocinoI am heartbroken to hear about the sudden loss of Kay. I have known the Wallens - Kay and her sister Peggy - for many decades. Kay has been a close, loyal friend to my sister and our family since they all met at UW Parkside at the original extension campus. Kay was an ever-joyful, positive, patient, caring person who invested in many generations of Kenosha's city youths. A dedicated public servant who paid it forward so many children could have hopeful futures. Kay showed me that same kindness, caring, patience and encouragement that helped me 'launch' to adulthood. But she was all those things and much more to her sister Peggy and her close friends - who my sister Angela Vocino was blessed to be one of. For Ashley, Peggy, Charlie, and all of Kay's close friends, i wish you the eventual healing of your grief, especially through the knowledge and memories of the fulfilling life that Kay Wallen lived.
Posted by:
J.R. & Jolene ( Kramer ) Jurgens & FamilyTo the Family of Kay Wallen: We are so very sorry for your loss. Our children had her for a teacher. She was a very nice Lady and Person. May God be with you through this most difficult time in your lives. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. Again so very Sorry. The Jurgens Family
